Series: Daw Science Fiction | Publication Date: May 5, 2009
A BATTLE FOR SURVIVAL ON A DISTANT WATER WORLD
After a worldwide disaster strikes Earth, the planet is taken over by a fanatical religious theocracy. Scientist Victor Hansen flees with a staff of non-genetically modified humans and young members of his newly created race, the Selkies, to Marseguro, a distant water world. But their peace and freedom is threatened when a traitor calls forth a strike force from Earth, and Victor's own grandson, Richard, is with them. What Richard Hansen discovers may alter not only his own destiny but that of Marseguro and Earth as well.
This item is eligible for our 4-for-3 promotion. Eligible products include select Books and Home & Garden items. Buy any 4 eligible items and get the lowest-priced item free.
Here's how (restrictions apply)
Edward Willett is an award-winning author of science fiction, fantasy and non-fiction for both children and adults.
Born in Silver City, New Mexico, Willett lived in Bayard, New Mexico and Lubbock and Tulia, Texas, before moving to Weyburn, Saskatchewan with his family when he was eight years old.
He studied journalism at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas, then returned to Weyburn as a reporter/photographer for the weekly Weyburn Review, eventually becoming news editor. In 1988 he moved to Regina, Saskatchewan, as communications officer for the Saskatchewan Science Centre, and in 1993 he became a fulltime freelance writer. He still resides in Regina.
Willett is now the author or co-author of more than 40 books, ranging from computer books and children's non-fiction books to science fiction and fantasy for both adults and young adults.
His most recent novel is Song of the Sword, the first book in the five-book Shards of Excalibur YA fantasy series from Lobster Press, about a teenage girl who discovers she is the heir to the powers of the Lady of the Lake. His most recent adult science fiction novels are Marseguro and Terra Insegura, published by DAW Books. Marseguro won the 2009 Aurora Award for best English-language science fiction or fantasy book by a Canadian author, and Terra Insegura was a finalist for the 2010 Aurora Award.
Willett's most recent non-fiction books are children's biographies of Andy Warhol and Johnny Cash, published by Enslow Publishers. He's also the author of a number of local history books, including Historic Walks of Regina and Moose Jaw for Red Deer Press, awarded a Municipal Heritage Award by the City of Regina in the education category, and histories of the Saskatchewan Land Surveyors' Association and the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan.
Other recent titles include Disease Hunting Scientists, The Bounty Mutiny, Janis Joplin: Take Another Little Piece of My Heart, Jimi Hendrix: Kiss the Sky, Orson Scott Card: Architect of Alternate Worlds, and J.R. R. Tolkien: Master of Imaginary Worlds, all for Enslow Publishers; and Genetics Demystified for McGraw-Hill.
Upcoming books include his first adult fantasy novel from DAW Books, Magebane, written under the pseudonym Lee Arthur Chane.
Willett also writes a weekly science column that has been running now for 20 years. His website and blog are at edwardwillett.com.
Willett is represented by literary agent Ethan Ellenberg.
Besides being a writer, Willett is a professional actor and singer who has performed in dozens of plays, musicals and operas in and around Saskatchewan, hosted local television programs, and emceed numerous public events.
He's married to a telecommunications engineer and has one daughter.
This review is from: Marseguro (Daw Science Fiction) (Mass Market Paperback)
Excellent world-building and well developed characters. Very enjoyable. If you are interested in the religious implications of genetic manipulation, the political problems with a theocracy, or the question of what you would do when faced with extinction, read this book.
One or two minor inconsistencies near the end (suddenly he's into atheletics...in zero-g?), but nothing that truly detracts from the novel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Marseguro (Daw Science Fiction) (Mass Market Paperback)
The writer created a world in Marseguro that I, as the reader, really felt a part of. The decriptions of the planet and it's people were creative,yet believable, with flaws and feelings easily related to. The detail used in the action sequences allowed the reader to follow the adventure with clear pictures. I really enjoyed this book and, because the ending is left for an obvious sequel, am looking forward to meeting the people from Marseguro again.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Marseguro (Daw Science Fiction) (Mass Market Paperback)
Marseguro, a colonized planet inhabited by normal humans and Selkies--genetically modified by a scientist named Victor Hansen--would seem defenseless when the theocratic earth government (The Body) sends (with Hansen's grandson Richard as part of the force) a military expedition to capture, sterilize, and enslave the Selkies--considered an "abomination" by the earth totalitarians.
Obviously, you know that the Selkies and their unmodified coinhabitants of the planet aren't as defenseless as they seem (else there would be no book), so the suspense in this thrilling tale with multiple povs and intriguing characters comes from learning exactly how they'll accomplish this and what will happen next. The response is swift, and then things really get interesting but never sentimental--atypical for novels that have as one of their themes "what it means to be human."
The principal characters--Emily the Selkie (that's her on the front cover) and Richard Hansen--are complicated enough to seem real, and you'll probably believe in them. The supporting cast are well done, too. And the action sequences--especially a chase across the water with a killer robot in pursuit (that's it on the back cover) should thrill you.
The novel's complete in itself, but there's room for a sequel.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
